A Father’s Dream Shines Bright

By Deborah Brightstar and Connie Ryan
March 29, 2010
Tucson, AZ

Established in April 1998 from a father’s dream, The Solar Store, one of the oldest solar energy companies in the state of Arizona, offers sustainable energy solutions. John Wesley Miller, the father of Katherine Kent the CEO and President of The Solar Store, had a dream of having a solar energy business and inspired his daughters to start the business. He installed his first solar system and has been an advocate of using sustainable sources of energy since the 1970’s. My Local Home Show interviewed Katherine Kent to learn more about renewable sources of energy from one of Tucson’s local experts.

My Local Home Show (MLHS): How long have you and your family been using solar energy?

The Solar Store (SS): I installed my first system in 1986 and my father installed his in the late 70’s. He is a builder. The business was his idea but he didn’t want to pursue it himself. He kept after me to do it so finally I did! He helped start SAHBA’s first solar parade of homes.

MLHS: If you could shout a message from the roof tops that everyone could hear regarding solar energy what would you like it to be?

SS: We like to provide custom, integrated sustainable solutions. Which means that we will assess people’s lifestyles, utility bills, and other variables to suggest the best solution for them. And, sometimes that may not be solar. We want them to have the best sustainable energy system for them and their lifestyle even if that means it is a non-solar solution.

MLHS: What is the relationship to saving money and/or energy with the solutions you offer?

SS: We show people how they can save money that may not necessarily save energy but just make it more cost effective to use for them. For example, perhaps they will use the same amount of energy but they aren’t home all day so we help them set up their systems so they are running on less energy while they aren’t there and also educate them on the lower cost usage periods of the day so they save money.

MLHS: Were you involved with the development of Civano, Tucson’s solar village?

SS: Yes, way back in its infancy while I was still working on the team at U of A we wrote up the RFP that provided funding for Civano.

We also worked with Tucson Electric Power to create the guaranteed home program.
We also did a lot of computer modeling of energy for that project.

MLHS: I understand your company has some prestigious and unique awards that you are proud of that sets you apart from other solar businesses. Tell us more.

SS: Yes, Gabrielle Giffords just honored us with a Special Congressional Recognition Award. We are also the first woman owned nationally certified solar thermal and photovoltaic business in Arizona. We are also certified with the Small Business Enterprise and Woman Owned Business Enterprise.

MLHS: What are some suggestions you have for people who are just starting out?

SS: Find what’s right for you and then try something new each month to save energy.

MLHS: What are some of the easiest and most cost effective ways for someone to start?

SS: Solar thermal- hot water heaters are a no brainer since they have a simple pay back of less than two years for your return on investment. Your hot water heater is eventually going to go bad so when it does why not replace it with a more energy and cost efficient solar thermal water heater?

MLHS: What other sustainable energy solutions do you offer besides solar?

SS: Again there are simple and cost effective solutions that can fit anyone’s budget or lifestyle. Maybe someone has a small casita and doesn’t need an entire solar thermal system so we would recommend they try a smaller tankless solar water heater that would fit their needs more appropriately.

Arizona will be rolling out a “Cash for Clunker Appliances” program in mid April that will offer financial rebates for people to convert over to more energy efficient appliances.
Solar thermal systems will qualify for this program.
We also install solar tube sky lights, wind energy systems as well as radiant floor heating systems mostly in new construction projects since they are installed in a concrete floor.

MLHS: How much of your business is new construction versus retrofitting existing homes?

SS: It was forty percent new construction years ago but that has shifted to 15-20% now.
We work with a lot of builders on new construction projects but now the trend is more in retrofitting existing homes to be more energy efficient.

MLHS: What else makes you unique compared to your some of your competitors?

SS: We offer a variety of financing and payment options. And, most importantly is that we have the best people in the business from our customers to our inspectors. They are experienced and everyone here has a real pride in their work ethic. We all believe in doing something right and doing something good for our customers as well as the planet. We all believe in what we are doing.

Also, all solar systems are not created equal! That is something that is very important for people to know. Some are made with plastic components that are inferior to other better made systems. We use only the highest quality materials in our solutions.

We also fulfill on all state requirements for solar system sales. We are very proud of the quality and integrity of our systems as well as our business practices and stand behind them.



For more information on The Solar Store and how to get your own solar power system check out www.mylocalhomeshow.net or www.solarstore.com. Also look for our article featuring The Solar Store on EzineArticles.com.